Brussels, Belgium: The President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed a conference on Middle Way Approach jointly organised by European Members of Parliament Csaba Sogor and Molly Scott at the European Parliament on 24 January.

The Middle Way Approach that strives to resolve the issue of Tibet through peace and dialogue is the only viable solution, said Dr Sangay at the conference. Dr Sangay earlier that day testified before the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights calling for implementation of rights in Tibet, rights that are internationally defined.

In a world where growing conflict is often met with violent subjugation, Dr Sangay emphasised that solving of the long standing issue of Tibet through Middle Way Approach would serve as a test case, an exemple that conflicts can and is best resolved through peace and dialogue.

Detailing the environmental and geopolitical importance of Tibet, Dr Sangay called upon the European Parliament to support the Middle Way Approach, a peaceful resolution that stemmed from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Five Point Peace Plan and 1988 Strasbourg Proposal made at the European Parliament.

He further added that the setting up of European Union to end the frequent wars between neighbours, a union that brought together neighbouring countries in order to secure a lasting peace epitomises what Tibet’s Middle Way Approach calls for. Just as the US government supports the Middle Way Approach, Dr Sangay urged the European Parliament to extend their support for the Middle Way Approach that strives for the same principles as the European Union and to press China to enter into dialogue.

The growing presence of China in Europe as the biggest source of import and the second biggest export market, Dr Sangay iterated Xi Jinping’s Socialism with Chinese Characteristics as the new mantra for the world and added that the choices that Europe and the world faces is either to let China enforce their mantra for the world or to stand steadfast to the principle of liberty and democracy that is grounded in the foundation of the European Union and democracies of the world.

 – Report filed by Communication officer Tenzin Lhakmon –